Getting the opportunity to listen to and review new releases from The Writhers has become such a pleasure. While they stay true to their own sound, that sound is ever growing and changing. And as contradictory as that may seem, a listen through their catalog of eerie and bizarre Garage, Horror Punk, oddly Jazz-infused Rock & Roll madness, will prove that statement to be true. The Writhers’ sound is identifiably The Writhers, but they definitely do not fall into any ruts. Continuing their reworking of early days unreleased songs, The Writhers present: “Greasy Strangler”.
It is no secret, nor is it in anyway hidden (just check out the previous reviews), Sub-Standard Alien loves the bass sound of Kenny Wolfsbane. “Greasy Strangler” puts that infectious bass groove on full display. The excellent mixing here, provided by Earthing Studios’ Mike Kamoo, showcases the talent of each band member as each piece is easily detected and can be focused on. The guitar, by Chewy Morsel, has the right amount of drive and spooky tone. Rikk R Treat on drums delivers the perfect backbone, without it getting lost in the background as can often happen with percussion. The ever charismatic front man and lead singer Robert Writhe provides a bit more grit to his vocal delivery than on other releases. Rhythmic spoken word flows into his well known vibrato, but then gives way to almost hysterical shouting as the madness takes hold and the story of this Greasy Strangler is unfolded. The accordion is such a lively addition that truly separates The Writhers from any other Rock & Roll unit out there.
“Greasy Strangler” releases on all major streaming platforms, and for digital download on Bandcamp January 15th. The Writhers also play the Kensington Club in San Diego, Ca that same night. Their first ever music video is also in the works and will be unleashed onto the world soon!